Page 197 of Hexed
After placing the salt container down, I move to the center of the room and close my eyes, visualizing bright white light spreading from above and filling the space. I point my finger, carving out a pentagram on the ground with my mind, taking a moment to appreciate each point like it’s a compass. Top for spirit, then for air, bottom right for earth, bottom left for water, and the final point for fire. It’s a bit overkill to be doing both the salt and the pentagram, and I’m a bit out of practice, but I’m working with what I’ve got.
Aria keeps mumbling under her breath from behind me, and I shush her, focusing on grounding my energy to help strengthen the circle.
Finally, I open my eyes and smile.There.
“You know, I really hope you have more planned to protect us than some salt and a vision, or Daddy will kill you without a second thought,” Aria says.
Spinning toward her, I lift my shirt and grab the gun I placed there before coming down here, raising it in the air. “No worries, I’ve got all my bases covered.” I point it at her head, just to see if she reacts.
She does, her face paling, and I wink at her before moving the barrel away.
“It’s sweet you care, though.”
I didn’t want to bring the Glock—it’s still as big and blah as ever—but believe it or not, I have finally learned from my mistakes, and honestly, I’m tired of listening to Bastien chastise me every time he’s proven right. And now he’s got Enzo on my case too.
Besides, it’s honestly embarrassing how often I was caught off guard, which allowed people like Jessica to get the upper hand.
The rolling table next to Aria is all set up, and I run my fingertips over the syringes, taking in the different vials I’ve prepared.
Venom for my uncle, because that’s just my preference, and then one special…just for Aria.
Just in case.
Twisting until I’m at the head of the torture table, I look down at her. “Let’s go over the plan one more time.”
She sighs and fidgets, the clank of the metal making me wince. “You’re going to hide and Daddy’s going to walk in to save me. My job is to get him close so you can come up from behind.” She fidgets, her left shoulder rising. “Can we loosen these chains a bit? They’re chafing.”
“No.” I tilt my head. “And then?”
She rolls her eyes. “And then you do whatever you have to do, I guess.” She cuts me a glare. “But you better give me immediate access to my trust.”
I nod emphatically. “You have my word.”
“And stay away from my man.” Her eyes narrow before a dreamy smile takes over her face. “He doesn’t want you anymore.”
Grinning at her, I nod again, but I don’t mean it. As much as I like to hold up my end of deals, there’s no way in the world I’m holding up this one.
Even if I wanted to, Enzo wouldn’t let me.
But feeding into her delusion is the best way to ensure she sticks to the plan.
I do intend to let her live. I’m not lying about that part. Despite her being the bane of my existence, I truly believe she’s the unfortunate outcome of parenting, and really, can I blame someone for how they were raised?
She’s a byproduct of toxicity, the same as the rest of us.
“Ugh!” she complains, pulling at her wrists again. “How much longer until he’s supposed to get here? This is crazy uncomfortable.”
I side-eye her. “Small price to pay for your life, don’t you think?”
A burner phone Bastien gave me earlier buzzes where it’s stashed in my bra, and without looking, I know what it means.
Uncle T is here.
Adrenaline pumps through my veins like espresso on a drip, and I close my eyes, picturing my momma’s face, Fisher’s hollow eyes, and all of my uncle’s lies.
When I snap my lids open again, I’m hyperfocused on one thing and one thing only: taking what’s mine.
I lean down and press my fingers against Aria’s cheeks, gripping them tightly until my nails dig into her skin, just a little. “Showtime, my dear, sweet Cousin. Make sure to sell it, and remember… it’s all in the body language, honey.”
